South Korea and Ukraine have agreed to deepen security cooperation in response to the "threat" posed by the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia, the presidency in Seoul said.
The statement followed a meeting between South Korea's president and Ukraine's defence minister after their countries sounded the alarm over Pyongyang's deployment of thousands of troops in western Russia.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yol met with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and "expressed hope that South Korea and Ukraine will work together to develop effective measures to address security threats posed by North Korea's military cooperation with Russia," the presidency announced.
"The two sides agreed to continue exchanging information on the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia and on the transfer of weapons and technology between Russia and North Korea," the presidency added.
The trip took place after South Korea signalled it may change its long-standing policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict, but the statement made no mention of arms deliveries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said in an interview with South Korean media last month that his country was preparing to submit a list of needed military support.
He added that the list would include artillery support and air defence systems.
Earlier this month, Yun stated that whether - or how - South Korea decides to directly help Ukraine depends on the "extent of North Korean involvement" in the conflict, adding that Seoul "does not rule out the possibility of providing weapons."
If South Korea supplies weapons, the initial shipment would be defensive in nature, Yun said.
Ukraine relies on Western air defense systems, especially the Patriot, to defend itself from Russian missile strikes - and is calling for more supplies.
South Korea, which is technically still at war with the nuclear North and has maintained weapons production long neglected by Western arms industries, could have a significant impact if it decides to supply weapons, experts say. | BGNES
